March 10, 2013

So Much Wrong In Such A Small Space

Sayeth pundit Ben Stein: “Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured but not everyone must prove they are a citizen. And now, any of those who refuse or are unable to prove they are citizens will receive free insurance paid for by those who are forced to buy insurance because they are citizens.” Only in America in the 21st century. Sigh. [Bolding in original.]

Let's start with Ferris Beuller's teacher. Did Ben Stein actually say what the braintrust said he said?

Snopes.com says no. A couple of years ago they looked at whether he said:

Fathom the odd hypocrisy that Obama wants every citizen to prove they are insured, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.

And they wrote:

We don't know who originally came up with this statement about mandatory health insurance coverage, but it wasn't Ben Stein. The actor/economist/essayist replied in response to a query that it was not something he either said or wrote.

You'd think a news organization like the Tribune-Review would be able to check out something like this rather easily.

And then there's the second part of the quote - the part about how "those who review or are unable to prove" citizenship will be given free insurance - is THAT true?

Politifact says no. In fact it's a "pants on fire" statement. From politifact:

It may be the longest chain e-mail we've ever received. A page-by-page analysis of the House health care bill argues that reform will end the health care system as we know it: "Page 29: Admission: your health care will be rationed! ... Page 42: The 'Health Choices Commissioner' will decide health benefits for you. You will have no choice. ... Page 50: All non-US citizens, illegal or not, will be provided with free health care services."

Most of the e-mail's claims are wrong, and you can read our extended analysis to find out why.

One of its most bizarre claims is the one about free health care for noncitizens, "illegal or not."

We read the bill and its legislative summary, and could find nothing about free health care for anyone, much less noncitizens.

In fact, they add that:

...the legislation specifically states that "undocumented aliens" will not be eligible for credits to help them buy health insurance, in Section 246 on page 143.

How could an politically motivated editorial board attached, as it is, to a news organization get so much so wrong in such a teeny tiny space?

Not only is it not true, it's illogical.If only citizens must prove they are insured, then non-citizens are not required to prove they are insured.If non-citizens are required to prove they are insured, then their buying insurance is strictly voluntary.And since there is no free insurance under the ACA, no citizen will be required to pay for the insurance of non-citizens.

Sammy, You are correct that Snopes should cite when and where Stein distanced himself, but by the same token, those who posted the initial attribution should post when, where and in what context Stein supposedly made the comments. Your call for responsible citation cuts both ways.

Wht would illegals be so stupid to sign up for obama care when all they need to do is go to the emergency room? They also can get wick and all sorts of benifits I am not eligible for since I work full time.

Actually, anyone can go to an Emergency Room and be treated in a life threatening situation. This is made possible by a law, EMTALA, signed by that wicked liberal president Ronald Reagan. Also, the only "wick" I know of is on a candle. The program referred to is WIC (Women, Infants and Children). This program has been federally funded since 1975 when another liberal was president - republican Gerald Ford. If you are going to either support or criticize something, at least know what it is.

Well there you go..leave it to a liberal to know the correct abbreviation for a welfare handout system..And speaking of knowing what you're talking about before you talk about it dumbass..you're just assuming I'm a Republican..sorry to bust your fucking little bubble

illegal immigration is pretty easy to handle if you figure the IRS is handling the health care enforcement they can also identify the bogus social security numbers given to employers that allow them to work. simple, If the jobs dry up and they cant work and get paid then they go home. we have the power to stop it and the mechanism to stop it but big business does not want the cheap labor to go home! its not a dem. or repub. thing its a money thing. plain and simple!!!